Facts about Cannabis and migraine that might surprise you
Are you a cannabis user who also suffers from migraine headaches? If so, then this post is for you! A lot of us know that marijuana can help reduce the pain and symptoms associated with migraines, but did you know that it could possibly be doing more than just easing your aches and pains? Through years of research, scientists have discovered some incredible facts about the power of cannabis when it comes to treating migraines. In this blog post, we will look at these surprising findings and explore how marijuana might be able to provide even more relief from your migraine headaches. So let’s get started!
What is a migraine?
A migraine is a primary headache disorder that affects more than 10% of the global population. It is characterized by severe headaches, usually accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound and even vision changes. The pain is usually one-sided and pulsing in nature. Migraines can last for hours or days and often recur.
Treatment of migraines involves both medication and lifestyle changes to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. These treatments include medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or triptans, as well as lifestyle modifications like stress management, relaxation techniques, adequate sleep and avoiding triggers that can cause a migraine. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary.
What are the Symptoms of Migraine?
Migraine headaches typically cause intense, throbbing pain that is often experienced on one side of the head. However, some people experience a generalized headache. Other symptoms may include sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, visual disturbances such as flashes of light or blind spots and dizziness. The severity and duration of symptoms vary from person to person.
Migraine headaches may be preceded by warning signs, known as an aura. These can include vision disturbances such as flashing lights and blind spots or tingling sensations in the hands or face.
It is important to note that not everyone experiences all symptoms of migraines. Some individuals experience only one symptom or a mild form of the condition. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider if you have any symptoms that suggest a migraine so that appropriate diagnosis and treatment can be provided.
Migraine headaches are usually treated with medications, lifestyle changes, or both. The specific treatment plan depends on the frequency and severity of symptoms experienced by the individual. Medications may include over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-nausea medications, and triptans. Lifestyle changes could include adequate sleep, reduced stress levels, regular exercise, and avoiding certain trigger foods.
How to Prevent a Migraine
The key to preventing migraines is identifying and avoiding your triggers. Common migraine triggers include:
• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Foods containing tyramine, such as aged cheeses, smoked fish, processed meats, cultured dairy products and certain beans
• Skipped meals or fasting
• Alcohol, especially wine
• Caffeine, both too much and withdrawal
• Hormonal changes in women
• Food additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), artificial sweeteners and nitrates found in processed foods
• Bright lights, loud noises, strong smells or smoke
• Changes in the weather, barometric pressure or altitude
If you can identify your triggers and avoid them, you may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Other strategies for preventing migraines include:
• Eating regular meals at the same time every day
• Drinking plenty of water
• Sticking to a regular sleep schedule
• Reducing stress by relaxing and exercising regularly
• Taking medications prescribed for migraine prevention. These include beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, and certain anticonvulsants
• Keeping a headache diary to help identify triggers
If you think certain foods may be triggering your migraines, speak with your doctor about allergy testing. If you think certain medications or substances may be triggering your migraines, speak with your doctor about other treatments available.
How Can Cannabis Help Migraine Symptoms?
Cannabis has been known to help with many medical conditions and research suggests that it may be beneficial in managing migraine symptoms. Cannabinoids, the active ingredients in cannabis, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors found throughout the body. When stimulated by cannabinoids, these receptors can reduce inflammation, reduce pain, and even regulate the body’s serotonin levels (which helps with anxiety).
In a study conducted on 121 migraine sufferers, 83% of participants reported fewer migraines after using medical cannabis. Another study found that 50-90% of people with chronic pain benefited from using cannabis. These studies suggest that cannabis could be an effective treatment option for people suffering from migraine headaches.
Cannabis also has many other potential benefits, such as reducing anxiety and stress, helping with sleep problems, and even relieving nausea. For those dealing with chronic migraines, cannabis could be a beneficial form of relief, though it is important to note that more research needs to be conducted. It is also important to talk to a doctor before using cannabis for migraine symptoms, as it can interact with other medications and have different effects in different people. With the right guidance, cannabis might be just the thing to help manage migraine symptoms.
What Treatments Are Available for Migraine ATTACKS?
Migraine attacks can be managed with a variety of treatments. Your doctor may recommend one or more of these approaches, depending on the frequency and severity of your migraine attacks:
1. Acute/abortive medication: These medications are taken during an attack to stop it or reduce its intensity and duration. Options include painkillers, triptans and antiemetics.
2. Preventive medication: These medications are taken on a daily basis to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Options include beta blockers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and calcium channel blockers.
3. Non-pharmacological treatments: These therapies may help reduce headache frequency, severity, and the need for medications. Options include lifestyle modifications (getting enough sleep, getting regular exercise, avoiding triggers) as well as stress management techniques such as relaxation and biofeedback therapy.
These treatments can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks. However, it is important to keep in mind that no single treatment works for everyone. Talk to your doctor about what treatments may work best for you and discuss any potential side effects or risks associated with the medications. With the right treatment plan, it is possible to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks and improve the overall quality of life.
Conclusion:
Migraine headaches are a common, debilitating health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure for migraines, treatments and lifestyle modifications can help reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks. Cannabis has been known to have many potential benefits, including relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and regulating serotonin levels. More research needs to be done, but it is possible that cannabis could be an effective treatment option for those suffering from migraines.
Before using cannabis to manage migraine symptoms, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits. With the right guidance and lifestyle modifications, you can reduce the frequency of your migraine attacks and improve your overall quality of life.
